Letter brief in support of photojournalist Bradley Stuart Allen

Photojournalist Bradley Stuart Allen was charged with felony conspiracy and other offenses for his coverage of an "Occupy" demonstration in Santa Cruz, Calif. The Reporters Committee and National Press Photographers Association argued that newsgathering is constitutionally protected, and courts considering punishments for exercise of that right should weigh the public interest in obtaining information against competing interests. The groups urged the Court to grant Mr. Allen leniency in adjudicating the harsh criminal offenses he faces as a result of his constitutionally protected newsgathering activities. Specifically, we asked, in the interest of justice, that the charges against him, or at a minimum the felony charges, be dismissed.